Marlyn Tigas, DSWD provincial chief, said there were six awardees present, four bedridden and four already dead. Close relatives received the cash for those who already died.
“Ito ang katuparan ng Republic Act 10868 o Centenarians Act of 2016. Tuloy-tuloy na ito,” the provincial social worker said.
Irene Carpio, DSWD Region 3 assistant director, said they have so far awarded benefi ciaries in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and then Bataan out of their total budget of P34.2 million for 342 centenarians regionwide.
“The claimant should be 100 years old as of 2016 and required to present some documents,” Carpio said.
Gov. Albert Garcia who assisted Carpio in the distribution of the money congratulated the beneficiaries. “Dahil umabot kayo sa edad na napaka-pambihira sa ngayon, maaaring maibahagi ninyo sa amin ang inyong mga karanasan at wisdom,” the governor said.
Iluminada Mangawang, 105, of Balanga City, clearly answers “December 12, 1910” when asked when she was born.
“Kung ano kinakain ng tao, iyon din kinakain ko,” the old woman said laughing when asked what she usually eats. “Magpakasaya sila,” she told the youth in order to have long life like her.
Teodora Baluyot, 102, of Abucay, Bataan clapped hard after receiving the money from the governor.
“Pambili ng gamot at pagkain,” Rosa Valerio who accompanied mother Teodora said on what they will do with the money.
